Messenger of Joy

Just as a father has compassion on his children, the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.     - Ps 103:13

Reflection. All my life I have noticed that outstanding people of every religion have something very special in common.  They all possess the fundamental wisdom that we are children of a gracious God, a God Who loves us dearly, and they are grateful.  Their gratitude gives them sweetness of spirit.

Prayer. Grant me, O Lord, sweetness of spirit, which is born of reverential fear.  I feel Your compassion, and it makes me happy.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  - Phil 4:7

Reflection. The older we get, the greater becomes our inclination to give thanks, especially heavenward.  We feel more strongly than we could possibly have ever felt before that life is a free gift … and every hour … an unexpected gift to be gratefully received.  – Martin Buber

Prayer. Dear Father, how fortunate I am to enjoy the gift of life.  Thank  you.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks will receive, and those who seek will find, and to those who knock the door will be opened.  – Mt 7:7-8

Reflection. Trust comes with difficulty.  When our feet are buried in quicksand, fear envelops us.  We are tempted in times of turmoil to reach for alcohol or drugs, anything to soothe that savage feeling of fear.  This is the time to cry out to Jesus for help.

Prayer. Quiet my troubled soul, O Lord, and give me Your hand to lift me up.  Lead me to safety, and I will follow You.

He said to them, “Why are you fearful?  Are you still without faith?”  - Mk 4:40

Reflection. The evil one stirs up our fears to keep us suspicious, self-centered, immobile, and full of self-pity.  In this way, Satan tries to put us in hell day by day.  But we are made for heaven.  There is always grace to help us get to where God wants us to be.  Grace is the communication of God’s love, Jesus is the Mediator of Divine grace.  He saves us from our fear.

Prayer. Help me, Lord, to banish fear.  Enable me to understand that You are my strength and joy.

No servants are greater than their master.  If they have persecuted Me, they will persecute you also.  - Jn 15:20

Reflection. There is no joy in this announcement.  Who wants to be persecuted, or rejected?  Wisdom gives this answer:  “Let your main focus be on His Kingdom, and these other things will be given to you” (Lk 12:31).

Prayer. O Lord, when I suffer the price of being Christian, especially at work, at school, or even in my family, remind me that You will never abandon those who suffer in Your Name.

The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.  - 1 Cor 1:25

Reflection. Wisdom is able to distinguish between what is valuable and what is passing.  The truly wise person will see the pearl of great price, which is heaven, and sell everything to possess it.  Wisdom is God speaking to us, calling us to nobility and glory.  Pray for the gift of wisdom.

Prayer. O God of Light and Truth, give me wisdom that I may seek first Your kingdom.

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you.  Remain in My love.  – Jn 15:9

Reflection. The Heart of Christ still beats.  It unites millions of other hearts.  The Church sees the beauty of these hearts, which will surely proclaim a spiritual revival in our modern world.                   - Pope Paul VI

Prayer. Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like unto Yours.  You are the vine, I am one branch among many.  Keep me healthy in Your life, O Lord.  Feed me Your energy and Your strength.

What you believe will be done for you.  - Mt 8:13

Reflection. The words of Jesus are powerful sources of encouragement.  His choicest words can make a huge difference in your life if you put them into practice.  Try to trust Him and believe every word, for what you believe will be done for you.

Prayer. O Lord, I want to live in Your love, and allow You to use me as Your instrument.  Give me that special inspiration to believe with an unshakable faith.  Fill my lungs and heart with songs of joy.

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all … is there anything too hard for Me?  - Jer 32:27

Reflection. Having confidence in the Lord is the sign of true faith.  It enables one to cross over the threshold to the virtue of hope.  Hope in turn leads to the most delicious of virtues, the virtue of trust.  Once you trust the Lord, your confidence is well established.

Prayer. Dear Lord, nothing is too difficult for You.  If only I could live in that knowledge on a day to day basis.  You will bring good out of evil.  You all will be well.

Let your main focus be on His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  - Mt. 6:33

Reflection. By seeking God and His Holy Will above all things you become liberated from the acquisitive spirit.  God frees you from yourself, and nothing tastes sweeter than freedom.

Prayer. Jesus, my Lord, let me taste the freedom that You offer to those who love You.  Let me grow in Your Spirit day by day, seeking You above all.